Just further proof that if you want something done right in this world, you have to do it yourself. Another anxiety-addled blog about the pursuit of single motherhood. Join me, won't you?

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Going private (insurance)

So today's MediCal meeting was sort of...inconclusive. The one conclusive part for me was that MediCal is a mess, is not at all as it presents itself (it is far from free!), and most importantly, is unreliable. The tired-looking worker said everything has been impossibly backed up for months, and will be for the foreseeable future. I asked what to do if B has an emergency or needs medical care right now. She said to go to a County ER and try to negotiate my bill. Um...what?

So she did accept my profit & loss statement, but only for now - I would have to re-qualify again in about three months, and said that then they would "really need" my full tax return so they could comb over all my deductions and decide for themselves what my income is (!). And this is a process I'd have to endure every year.

The sad fact is Healthy Families was awesome, but it's gone, and unless you're dirt poor (below poverty level) you're now going to have to meet this "share of costs" which as we now know can be your entire income!

So I left my case "open" but as I walked out made the decision to just pay out of pocket for a real insurance policy for the kids rather than rely on the inefficient, shady, and unreliable government. I just can't take the hassle, exposure to risk, and invasiveness.

I don't know how I'm going to pay for two more insurance policies...but I will say this: had this happened two years ago, I'd be out $1000 a month for the three of us. With my policy being $200 cheaper, it means I'm really only going to be out another $100 than what I was paying last year (the boys' policies should come in at about $150/mo each, and they're pretty decent policies through Health Net). So it's not that calamitous. Not great, but not horrible. And it's really worth the peace of mind.

Can you imagine if I was relying on MediCal for my maternity??? What a nightmare!!!

1 comment:

Luckily, my options have been more reasonable, but I was disappointed to find out that if I went through Minnesota's health care exchange (thereby qualifying for some good discounts due to my income level), M couldn't be on the same plan as me. In fact, she would have to be on some government plan, with a limited network (and we live out in the boonies, so a wide network is really important, especially with her health issues, which will require continued care/monitoring). Frustrating. So I just bought a policy outside of the exchange, which -- as it sounds like you've found -- was still a ton cheaper than what I was paying for my pre-Obamacare plan.

A Double Life: Discovering Motherhood

Flying: Confessions of a Free Woman

A fascinating, deeply personal series exploring women's role in today's world - click the photo to watch the trailer! Available on Netflix. I've watched it many times - you should, too.

My History

11/2010 - Made decision to become Choice Mom, removed last Nuva Ring. Had consultation with sperm bank/clinic.12/2010 - Started charting, using Clear Blue Fertility Monitor, First Response OPKs.2/2011 - Went to India, with intention to have first IUI on return. Now 38 1/2 years old.3/2011- Missed IUI by hours because of being out of town. Or am I not ovulating at all??4/9/2011 - All issues seemed to have resolved themselves sans medication - first IUI

4/21/2011 - BFN

4/26/2011 - Day 3 labs show FSH at 6.7; will proceed with IUI #2 around 5/7

5/4/2011 - ultrasound shows no ovulation; IUI #2 canceled

5/12/2011 - RE appt; get prescription for Femara.

5/20/2011 - Day 1 Femara

6/1/2011 - IUI #2

6/17/2011 - BFP!

6/22/2011 - miscarriage

7/7/2011 - IUI #3

7/17/2011 - BFP!3/24/2012 - Robert born!

5/1/2013 - Officially on the TTC train for baby #2. Waiting for cycle to start.

About Me

From thinker to tryer to single mom by choice to Robert (AKA Mr. Bumpus) and Theo (AKA Ruckus).
I am currently a contact person for SMC covering the Los Angeles area. If you'd like to join our monthly meetings please email me at wottadoll@gmail.com